Four US Crew Members Killed in KC-135 Refueling Aircraft Crash in Western Iraq
The United States Central Command announced that four crew members were killed after a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a military operation.
CENTCOM stated that six crew members were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident, with rescue and recovery operations ongoing. U.S. officials have not publicly clarified the condition of the remaining two crew members.
The KC-135 was one of two refueling planes supporting the mission, which U.S. military officials linked to tensions with Iran. The second refueling aircraft was not damaged and landed safely.
An Iran-aligned militia umbrella group known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft, saying it targeted the plane in defense of Iraqi airspace.
U.S. officials have not confirmed whether the aircraft was shot down or crashed due to another cause. Investigations into the incident are ongoing as rescue teams continue efforts at the crash site.
The crash occurs amid rising regional tensions involving U.S. forces and Iran-backed groups operating across Iraq and the wider Middle East, where military incidents have increased in recent months.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in International
US National Counterterrorism Center Director Resigns Over War with Iran
US Authorities Arrest Afghan National Basir Ahmad Safi on Child Abuse Charges
Missiles and Drones Target US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi Security Sources Say
UN Secretary-General Guterres Urges Action Against Rising Islamophobia
ReliableUS National Counterterrorism Center Director Resigns Over War with Iran
Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned over opposition to the war with Iran, stating it poses no imminent US threat and stems from Israeli pressure. The move underscores growing criticism of the conflict amid escalating tensions.
ReliableUS Authorities Arrest Afghan National Basir Ahmad Safi on Child Abuse Charges
US authorities arrested Afghan national Basir Ahmad Safi, who entered the country in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, on child abuse charges following a prior conviction in Florida. He is now in ICE custody awaiting deportation, amid ongoing concerns over vetting in the resettlement program.
DevelopingMissiles and Drones Target US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi Security Sources Say
Missiles and drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday, with Iraqi security sources saying two were intercepted and one struck the compound, causing smoke and fire. The attack, likely by Iran-backed groups, occurs amid rising regional tensions linked to Iran, the US and Israel.
ReliableUN Secretary-General Guterres Urges Action Against Rising Islamophobia
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to combat rising Islamophobia on the International Day to Combat Anti-Muslim Hatred, rejecting fear narratives and calling for unity to eliminate hatred against Muslims. He highlighted increasing hate crimes amplified by online platforms and political debates, warning of threats to social cohesion.